Digital Pathology Market is Primed for Exponential Growth

Markets and Markets is reporting the digital pathology market is being projected to grow 12% annually until 2017 an expected to reach over $336 million.  The largest market is in North America, with Europe and Asia following behind.  Asia's market is expected to grow as technology becomes more cost effective.

The uses of digital pathology include improving laboratory process efficiency, cutting laboratory costs, and preserving slide images.  The major American companies taking part in this digital pathology boom so far are Aperio Technologies and Ventana Medical Systems.

ABSciex thinking outside of the box

They didn't just get out of the lab, they took the lab out of the lab!!!! These marketing rock stars have hit the road with their technological breakthroughs and are doing it in style! The big-rig is one inch within street legal limits! The trailer features a state of the art GC/MS, collectible t-shirts, and sandwiches! Check to see when the Mass-tastic voyage is headed your way! Follow them on twitter #MassTasticVoyage

Error Auditing Procedures

Inspired by a blog from the Westgard website, http://james.westgard.com/the_westgard_rules/2012/01/more-error-rates-at-poc.html, I pulled the original study and as I'm reading through it, I have a question or two and I'm wondering if anyone else does. As I'm reading the original study, (which I would be glad to send a copy to anyone interested in studying with me) the first question I have is regarding operator bias. It states the technicians were aware they were being audited. Does this naturally effect the psyche of the operator who is being audited? Does it force the operator to take more time and care when running a sample when it is known their work is being audited at that time? Were department managers inclined to designate more experienced personnel to handle these samples for testing? I'm still reading through the study, and as I'm reading I was curious to see if anyone else is interested in putting their two cents in on this conversation regarding pre-analytical errors. Let me know! Lab Rat Rebellion is all about bench tech and MLT student feedback.

Is a Medical Laboratory Technician program necessary?

The Medical Laboratory Technician, also known as the Clinical Laboratory Technician, is highly encouraged to attend a program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).  While many states still do not require the MLT to have a license or have attended an established program, states such as New York, California and Tennessee not only require having earned an accredited degree, but are setting a standard by requiring licensing and professional certification by associations such as the ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology).  Stay tuned to this blog for more information on certifications.

CLIA Waived Testing - Too Easy

Don't sweat the small stuff......